Wisteria Blooming

Wisteria is bursting into bloom at Grumblethorpe now that the spring weather has come. This gorgeous vine is known for its vibrant purple flowers. Chinese and American varieties are planted at Grumblethorpe; the American variety blooms a little later.

Wisteria holds a special place at Grumblethorpe because the plant’s English name was given to it in honor of the Wister family. The English botanist,Thomas Nuttal is said to have given the plant its name as a tribute to John Wister’s brother, Caspar Wistar. The brothers had chosen different spellings of the name when they Anglicized their German surname, “Wüster.” The details of hoe Nuttal chose the spelling of the plant’s name are lost to history.

The wisteria vine is known for its aggressive climbing. Curiously, Japanese wisteria vines climb in a clockwise direction, while the Chinese varieties wind themselves up in a counter-clockwise direction.

Come visit the farm and gardens at Grumblethorpe on Saturdays, etc…